EPA Supervises Asbestos Remediation at Walpole, MA Superfund Site

Asbestos and other hazardous debris removed from a former mill building site in the town of Walpole, MA. Those who live or work in the area were exposed to the dangerous mineral, which is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

In December 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it had completed a cleanup of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and other hazardous substances at the Blackburn & Union Privileges site in Walpole, a town located approximately 20 miles south of Boston.

During the EPA asbestos remediation project, which took place between June-October 2009, almost 30 tons of asbestos and ACM debris were removed. In addition, over 2,700 pounds of hazardous materials and waste oils were removed during the cleanup.

The site, which was a former mill building, was designated as a Superfund site in 1994.

Over the past 100 years, the facilities at the site manufactured rubber goods, tires and insulation materials. Between 1915 and 1937, clutch and brake linings were produced at the site, where asbestos was crushed as part of the production of brake and clutch insulation materials. From the late 1930s until 1985, the facility was used to manufacture textiles, including cotton and other fabrics.

The 2009 asbestos remediation project is part of a phased clean-up plan for the site, which will include the removal of contaminated sediment from the Neponset River and Lewis Pond, the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater; as well as other cleanup endeavors that will impact future uses of properties in the nearby area.

Those Living or Working near Blackburn & Union Site at Risk for Future Health Problems
The large quantity of asbestos and ACM debris present at the Blackburn & Union site may have already impacted the health of those who live or work in the area, and the potential contamination of soil, groundwater, rivers and ponds puts those not yet affected at risk to develop asbestos disease many decades after their first exposure.

When asbestos dusts are inhaled, the microscopic fibers attach to lung tissue. Unlike other irritating or dangerous substances that are breathed in, the sharp edges on microscopic asbestos fibers cause them to remain in the lungs.

The asbestos causes healthy lung tissue to scar, causing illnesses such as pleural plaques disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asbestosis. More serious illnesses occur when asbestos fibers or scarred lung tissue triggers the lungs to abnormal cells, which cause lung cancer tumors to grow.

Because there is a 30-40 year latency period (the time between exposure and when symptoms of illness are first noticed) between exposure to asbestos and when symptoms of asbestos disease are first diagnosed, those who have been recently exposed to asbestos that was found at the Walpole site remain at risk for many decades.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we may be able to help you to seek justice for your illness and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Please complete the form on this page for a free and confidential review of your potential asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.